Paula Begoun is a best-selling author (of 18 books, no less), cosmetic expert, and business owner who adopted the moniker "Cosmetics Cop" when she began reviewing cosmetics--despite the fact that she was also starting her own line, Paula's Choice. It's that kind of fearlessness that inspires women, and sells. Paula talked to EndlessBeauty.com about her success.

Paula: It’s very hard to define success because what I feel is successful for me changes daily. Sometimes it’s because of the increase in new business. Sometimes it’s the development of a unique incredible formulation. Sometimes it’s a wonderful letter from a grateful customer. Sometimes it’s the love of my family. Sometimes it’s just getting a good night’s sleep. But more often than not it’s the ability to be my own boss.  

EndlessBeauty.com: What was the turning point that led to your success?

Paula: I feel strongly that success isn’t static so the turning points occur all the time and are ever changing. 

EndlessBeauty.com: What/who is your inspiration to succeed?

Paula: My father. He was passionate about only being his own boss and that definitely had a huge influence in my life.

EndlessBeauty.com: What motivated you to succeed?

Paula: I’m not sure. I’ve never been focused on success--I’ve only been focused on doing what I love and part of what I love is working! So maybe it’s a combination of passion and being a workaholic.

EndlessBeauty.com: What advice would you give to young women for succeeding?

Paula: It depends on what you mean by success, but if what you want is to be successful in business and have money in the bank to do the things you dream of doing, then there are a few pieces of advice I would offer:

1. Choose what you want to be successful at and be devoted to it completely. Don’t worry about having a balanced life. Successful people don’t have a balanced life and struggling to try and make the impossible work makes life miserable.

2. Be flexible and alert. If you get mired down in your five year plan you won’t see the bumps and road blocks ahead and react in time. Changing course is often the best thing you can do.  

3. Never stop learning. There is so much to know and it is a never ending task, but knowledge is power and no one can take that away from you.

4. Don’t spend money you don’t have. Money stress is as bad as the stress of a bad relationship, and it makes you less productive and clear thinking.

5. Don’t wear sexually revealing clothing in business situations. Never show any part of your chest or your thighs, and don’t wear heels over 2 inches. If the men you’re competing with aren’t dressing like they’re out in a night club you shouldn’t either. You can’t accuse men of staring at your breasts when your cleavage is pouring out from your blouse or staring at your rear end when your skirt is so tight it cinches up to your crotch when you sit down.

EndlessBeauty.com: How empowering is it to be on the other side of the cosmetics industry?

Paula: It’s more frustrating than empowering. I have been researching the industry, formulations, and poring over published studies for over 30 years. What I know is that the industry is utterly and unabashedly deceptive and disingenuous. I hate seeing women buy products that can either hurt their skin (and I don’t mean synthetic versus natural, I mean effective versus ineffective or problematic for skin) or are insultingly overpriced for what they are getting.

The part that has been empowering is I know enough and care enough to do it differently than any other cosmetic company can. After all I am the only cosmetic company in the world that recommends products other than my own.   

EndlessBeauty.com: What trends do you see becoming more prominent in the industry?

Paula: Everything is about natural and organic ingredients and anti-aging/anti-wrinkle products! It is a quagmire of new brands and a jungle of misleading claims.

EndlessBeauty.com: How do you think makeup and beauty products boost women’s self-esteem?

Paula: Research has made it clear that for women looking attractive and feeling beautiful provides an incredible sense of well-being and confidence. There is no question that for many women the ritual of taking care of their skin and putting on makeup is not only meaningful to who they are, but it affects how efficiently they get through their day. Unfortunately, women can get lost in the pursuit of beauty wasting way too much time and money on products that are either overpriced or a complete waste of money.